1. Characteristics of the Quality of Drinking Water
Important indicators for measuring water quality conditions, which are related to human health and the equilibrium of the ecological environment, are drinking water quality parameters. These parameters are used to measure the conditions of water quality. The following is a list of well-known parameters that measure the quality of drinking water:
The term "turbidity" refers to the amount of particulate matter that is suspended in water for the purpose of measurement. If the value is higher, then the water will be more cloudy. In most cases, turbidity is measured in NTU units.
The acidity and alkalinity of water can be determined parameters of water quality by the pH value, which is an indicator of the water's quality. Between 6.5 and 8.5 is considered to be the normal range.
The term "total organic carbon" (TOC) refers to a measurement that determines the amount of organic matter that is present in water. This measurement is used to determine the level of pollution that is present in the water body.
dissolved oxygen (DO): Dissolved oxygen is a measurement of the oxygen content in water. It has an effect on the ability of aquatic life to survive and on the safety of water quality.
The chemical oxygen demand, also known as COD, is a measurement that determines the amount of reducing substances that are present in . As the value increases, the degree to which the body of water is polluted by organic matter becomes more profound.
Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and other heavy metals are examples of heavy metals. Because of their toxic nature, these heavy metals must be strictly controlled because they are harmful to both humans and the ecological environment.
Pesticides, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other organic pollutants are examples of organic pollutants. As a result of the fact that these organic pollutants are hazardous to human health, appropriate treatment procedures are required.
2. The criteria for determining the quality of water
When evaluating the quality of water, it is necessary to take into account a wide range of water quality parameters, as well as to conduct simultaneous sensory, physical, and chemical tests during the evaluation process. To judge, here are some straightforward methods:
The quality of the water can be evaluated in a preliminary manner through the use of sensory testing. This involves observing the color, turbidity, smell, and other indicators of the water. There is a possibility that there is a problem with the water's quality if the water becomes yellowish brown or if it has an odor.
Testing both physically and chemically: You can gain a more accurate understanding of the water quality by testing the pH value, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, and other indicators of water quality. If there is an abnormality in the test results, it indicates that the water quality may be contaminated or that there is a potential risk to public safety.
The quality of the water can be determined by conducting a water source survey, which involves gaining an understanding of the environmental conditions of the water source and determining whether or not there are any pollution sources in the surrounding area. The quality of the water may pose a threat to public safety if there are sources of pollution, such as factories and landfills, located in close proximity to the water source.
Testing carried out by authoritative institutions: Water quality will be subjected to testing on a regular basis by authoritative institutions such as health departments, environmental protection departments, and other similar departments, which will then issue test reports. The consumers can gain knowledge about the current conditions of the water quality by consulting these reports.
3. Methods for the preservation of drinking water
It is necessary to implement drinking water treatment methods that are appropriate for the various water quality issues that have been identified. The following are some of the more common methods of treating drinking water:
Filtration based on sedimentation:By using sedimentation and filtration, it is possible to improve the clarity of water by removing impurities and suspended particles from the drinking water. The sedimentation filtration equipment that is most commonly used includes sand filters, activated carbon filters, and other similar devices.
Through the process of disinfection, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that are present in water are eliminated, thereby ensuring that drinking water is both safe and healthy to consume. The methods of disinfection that are most frequently utilized are the chlorination disinfection, the ozone disinfection, and the ultraviolet disinfection.
Activated carbon and diatomaceous earth are two examples of adsorbents that can be used to reduce the amount of water pollution by absorbing organic matter, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that are present in the water.
The removal of minute particles, organic matter, and microorganisms from water can be accomplished through the use of membrane filtration, which is a technique that promotes water purity. Technologies such as ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis are examples of membrane filtration methods that are frequently utilized.
4. Recommendations for the secure consumption of water
For the purpose of ensuring the safety of drinking water, the following precautions are recommended:
Gain an understanding of the water's origin:Learn about the origin of the water you drink as well as the environmental conditions that it comes from water quality testing parameters, and stay away from drinking water that is contaminated. Frequent examinations:Test drinking water on a regular basis in order to gain an understanding of the conditions of the water quality and to address any abnormalities in a timely manner.
Treatment methods that are reasonable in their selection:If you want to make sure that drinking water is safe to drink, you should select the appropriate methods of water treatment based on your own requirements and the actual conditions. Pay close attention to the methods of storage:It is important to pay attention to the cleanliness of the container that is used to store drinking water, as well as the temperature, light, and other aspects of the environment in which the water is stored, in order to prevent the water body from deteriorating.
